An electronic device that partly improves hearing is a cochlear implant. For people with serious hearing loss due to inner-ear damage who are no further assisted by using hearing aids, it may be a choice.
A cochlear implant overrides damaged parts of the ear to transmit sound signals to the hearing (auditory) nerve, unlike hearing aids, which enhance sound.
A sound sensor that fits behind the ear is used for Cochlear implants. Sound signals are captured by the processor and sent to a receiver inserted under the skin behind the ear. The receiver sends the signals in the snail-shaped inner ear to electrodes inserted (cochlea).
Why it’s done
In persons with serious hearing loss who are no longer assisted by the use of hearing aids, cochlear implants may improve hearing. Their communication and standard of living can be improved by cochlear implants.
Cochlear implants can support adults and children as young as six to 12 months old. People with cochlear implants say that they have enhanced:
- Hearing speech without the need for visual signals such as lip reading
- Recognition of natural, everyday sounds from the environment
- Listening capacity in a noisy setting
- Ability to explore where sounds come from
- Ability to listen to television programs, telephone calls, and music.
To be considered for a cochlear implant, you must have:
- Hearing failure is so severe that spoken conversation is disrupted.
- Small gain as determined by advanced hearing tests from hearing aids
- No medical conditions or causes that raise cochlear implant-related risks
- Strong incentive to engage and be part of the listening community in hearing recovery
- Realistic standards of what can and cannot be achieved by cochlear implants for hearing
How you prepare
Under general anesthesia, cochlear implant surgery is done. This means that, during the operation, you or your child will be in a sleep-like condition. It may be important for you or your child to:
- For a given period, avoid taking those drugs or supplements
- For a certain amount of time, stop eating or drinking.
Specific instructions will be provided by your doctor to help you prepare.
What you can expect Before the procedure
To decide whether cochlear implants are a safe choice, you or your child may require a thorough medical examination. A physician may perform an examination that may include:
- Ordering listening, voice, and occasionally equilibrium checks
- Performing a physical test to determine the condition of your inner ear
- Ordering skull MRI or CT imaging tests to determine the state of the cochlea and anatomy of the inner ear
During the procedure
A cut (incision) will be made by your surgeon behind your ear and a small hole will appear in the portion of the skull bone (mastoid) where the internal device rests.
To thread the electrode of the internal implant, your surgeon will then make a small opening in the cochlea. The incision of the skin is stitched closed so that under your skin is the inner unit.
After the procedure
You or your baby can undergo:
- Over the inserted ear or ears, pressure or pain
- Nausea and/or dizziness
On the day of the surgery or the next day, most people feel well enough to return home.
Conclusion
A cochlear implant is a tiny portable system that activates the cochlear nerve electrically (nerve for hearing). There are external and internal parts of the implant.
Behind the ear sits the external portion. With a microphone, it collects sounds. It then processes the sound and conveys it to the implant’s inner portion.
An electronic device that partly improves hearing is a cochlear implant. For people with serious hearing loss due to inner-ear damage who are no further assisted by using hearing aids, it may be a choice.
A cochlear implant overrides damaged parts of the ear to transmit sound signals to the hearing (auditory) nerve, unlike hearing aids, which enhance sound.
A sound sensor that fits behind the ear is used for Cochlear implants. Sound signals are captured by the processor and sent to a receiver inserted under the skin behind the ear. The receiver sends the signals in the snail-shaped inner ear to electrodes inserted (cochlea).
About The Author:
Aqib Ijaz is a content writer at BrandLume. He is adept in IT as well. He loves to write on different topics. In his free time, he likes to travel and explore different parts of the world.